It’s impressive for a member of the Buffalo Sabres to be suspended right now, considering not only did they not make the playoffs, but they finished dead last in the league. Still, random drug testing for banned substances happen and Zenon Konopka tripped a trigger. He has been suspended 20 games by the NHL. Here’s their press release:
Buffalo Sabres forward Zenon Konopka has been suspended for 20 games for violating the terms of the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program.
Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the suspension is accompanied by mandatory referral to the NHL/NHLPA Program for Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health for evaluation and possible treatment.
The player’s contract expires with the conclusion of the 2013-14 season. The term of the suspension will be served at the beginning of any new contract.
The National Hockey League will have no further comment on this matter.
No word on what the substance was, which I am sure will in no way lead to rampant speculation.
